Here at Southwest General Health Center, we take pride in our work and
in our commitment to providing top quality healthcare and support for
patients in the greater Cleveland area. Community members were responsible
for founding our non-profit, 350-bed hospital in 1920. Since then, we
have continued to build our reputation for service and commitment to the
care and wellness of our neighbors in southwestern Cuyahoga, northern
Medina, and beyond.

One of the factors that continues to set us apart here at Southwest General
Health Center is our team of medical professionals and support staff who
truly care about our community and believe in the work we do. If this
message and perspective resonates with you, consider joining our team
here at Southwest General! Our career opportunities provide plenty of
space to grow and thrive. We focus on ensuring that all of our team members
have prospects for increased wellness, personal fulfillment, and growth
on a professional level.

The Southwest Community Health Foundation helps to provide outstanding
care for patients by raising philanthropic support for Southwest General
within the communities we serve. Leadership at The Foundation includes
a committed Board of Trustees and a talented team of non-profit professionals,
bolstered by the work of our active volunteer committees. Through the
generosity and dedication of our supporters, we will continue our commitment
to the health and wellbeing of greater Cleveland for generations to come.

To schedule an appointment for services at any of our facilities call:440-816-8605*This number is NOT for scheduling a physician office appointment. Please use our
Physician Directory to find a physician office number.

Patient Blood Management Program

What is Patient Blood Management (PBM)?

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the best use of best practice medical
and surgical techniques focusing on the patient's own blood as a precious
resource with the goal of delivering improved patient outcomes.

What are Some of the Benefits of PBM?

It is true that the risk of certain diseases being transmitted through
blood transfusions is much lower that it used to be, but sometimes better
options exist. If you have any questions about the information contained
here, please speak with your physician.

Patients treated with PBM techniques may:

experience improved outcomes

lower the risk of post-operative infections

decrease exposure to viruses/diseases transmission

return home sooner

The Program

The mission of the Southwest General PBM is to improve patient outcomes
through patient-specific care by utilizing best practice medical and surgical
strategies to reduce or eliminate blood and blood component transfusions.

The multidisciplinary team is led by Gil S. Peleg, DDS, MD. The goal of
the team is to develop a plan of care that uses the latest drugs, technology
and techniques to decrease blood loss and enhance a patient's own
blood supply, thus reducing or eliminating the need for a blood transfusion.

Bloodless Program

The Bloodless Program is available to patients who, due to religious or
other objections, resolutely refuse the use of blood transfusion even
in life-threatening situations. Using the latest techniques associated
with PBM allows for patients enrolled in the Bloodless Program to receive
best practice treatment, while also having their wishes respected.

What Strategies/Techniques are Included in PBM?

Check your blood counts

Diagnose anemia - Anemia is a lower than normal red blood cell count. Diagnosing the type
or cause of the anemia makes it possible to choose the right treatment.

Medications to help your body make new red blood cells

Minimum blood draws

In addition to the above, surgical patients may benefit from:

Early pre-admission testing (at least four weeks prior to surgery) - Having your blood counts checked early allows time to diagnose and
treat anemia before surgery

Minimally invasive surgical techniques to decrease blood loss

Devices that can recover blood lost during surgery and return it to the patient

Medications, positioning and other strategies to decrease bleeding

Pre-operative Anemic Clinic

Southwest General's Pre-operative Anemia Clinic has been developed
to diagnose and treat anemia prior to surgery, thus reducing a patient's
risk of exposure to transfusion during and after surgery. The Anemia Clinic
is located in the UH Seidman Cancer Center at Southwest General. If your
physician sends you to the UH Seidman Cancer Center for anemia treatment,
this does NOT mean you have cancer.

To make an appointment for the Anemia Clinic, please call the UH Seidman
Cancer Center at Southwest General at 440-816-6051. Please note, a physician
order is needed to be treated through the Anemia Clinic.